I know what he is on - that's a main reason for them wanting him gone.
Last season Downing was put on the sidelines whilst the new signings were to play - it took until Jan for him to be reinstated because the unproven players that arrived ( despite showing an eye for goal and working hard in pre season ) didnt do it when it mattered - in the Prem. Enrique was left exposed because in front of him he had no one doing the hard work getting back - Downing did that. He will get zero credit for it but Downing coming back into the team in Jan was another reason why our results and play improved - it wasnt just about getting the goals and assists.
If Costa does arrive then yes possibly let Downing go ( again though Costa isn't a natural wide player ) - same with Aspas and just like Borini the season before - they aren't natural wide players who link with the fullback and support them. Bring in a natural wide player then let Downing go. Let him go without a replacement - it's the same mistakes as last summer all over again.